A new project at UL is merging the timeless work of William Shakespeare with the richness of the Irish language.
Dr. Sorcha de Brún, a lecturer in Modern Irish Language and Literature at UL, has taken on the challenge of translating several of Shakespeare’s sonnets into Irish, using the original iambic pentameter rhythm he famously used in his writing.
Dr. de Brún’s translations have been featured in the Comhar literary magazine, with more expected later this year. In a project that bridges cultures and languages, Dr. de Brún’s work has gathered attention for its creative approach to translating one of the world’s most celebrated writers into the Irish language.
“Shakespeare’s sonnets speak to universal human emotions and experiences that remain relevant today,” says Dr. de Brún “The challenge of translating these sonnets into Irish was driven by my belief that the Irish language, despite its minority status, can hold the same emotional and poetic depth that Shakespeare achieved in English. I wanted to show how flexible and creative language can be, especially in literature.”
It started with a “I think I can.”
Dr. de Brún’s decision to take on this ambitious task was influenced by discussions with Irish language writers and poets who were sceptical about translating Shakespeare’s meter into Irish. Her response was simple: “I think I can.” She emphasises the importance of making Shakespeare’s sonnets accessible in Irish, saying, “To bring Shakespeare to a minority language is important both for internationalization and for highlighting the strong connections between Irish and English literature.”
Her work is also tied to the ongoing research at UL’s Irish department, which is exploring the comparative study of contemporary Irish and English literature. Dr. de Brún sees her translations as part of a broader conversation about the future of language and the evolving role of translation in literature.
The role of translation and Irish
“Translation is being disrupted by AI advancements, but there will always be a need for human translators,” Dr. de Brún explains. “In literature, this is where ‘transcreation’ comes in—where we don’t just translate the language, but also the culture. Literary translation is about making choices and understanding the nuances of the source and target languages.”
For Dr. de Brún, the project isn’t just about the poetry itself but about ensuring the survival of the Irish language by continually challenging its capacity for creative expression. “This is the future of the Irish language. This is where the opportunities lie,” she adds.
To date, Dr. de Brún has translated 20 percent of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets. When the project is complete, she plans to publish the full collection as a book.
This pioneering project not only brings Shakespeare’s timeless works to Irish speakers but also demonstrates the incredible potential for creative cross-cultural translation in the 21st century.